Promotion Could Bring Financial Blow To Football Fans

Although Hull City fans may well still be jubilant about their triumph over Bristol City in the Championship play-off finals last weekend, they could find that seeing their team play in the country's finest division may come at a premium, it has been suggested.

In beating the Robins at Wembley, Hull will join Stoke City and West Brom in entering the Premiership when it kicks off in August, but Virgin Money has warned that for some, the costs of attending matches could put a strain on finances. The group asserts that collectively, fans of each of these teams will pay an additional 100 million pounds to see their beloved club play in the top flight. Conversely, while followers of Derby, Birmingham and Reading may still be tending broken hearts after their team was relegated at the end of the season, next season may see them be less likely to break the bank as well. Virgin Money reports that spending for these clubs will drop by as much as 28 million pounds when they take to the Championship next season.

For those who are ebullient about watching their teams play next season but exasperated as to where the funding will come from, taking out a personal loan may afford them the financial flexibility to get hold of a season ticket. Such a loan may also be of assistance in purchasing replica shirts and merchandise, which Virgin Money identifies as another additional source of revenue for promoted teams. Increased sponsorship deals and TV revenue income will also contribute significantly to the 100 million pounds boost that the Premiership provides.

The teams can look to enjoy an additional shared income of 31 million pounds in increased matchday spending alone, with Virgin Money asserting that having a good fans' economy can prove vital to the success or failure of a club. For those who want to bolster their team's coffers in the fight against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and European champions Manchester United, taking out a low rate loan may be of use in ensuring that teams are supported to the fullest degree.

"You can't necessarily put a price on loyalty but fans are demonstrating it with their cash. Loyalty pays for football clubs as fans spend more when their team is winning. Of course fans won't be counting the cost of winning promotion but they will be spending more to follow their teams in the Premiership. It's not just TV money that clubs earn from being in the Premiership - their fans are also spending more demonstrating that, credit crunch aside, football can still count on the loyalty of their supporters," said Virgin Money spokesperson Scott Mowbray.

As well as spending more on their home turf, it was also revealed that fans of newly-promoted teams were also said to be more likely to follow their team to away matches, with around half of all Stoke City, Hull and West Brom fans said to be expecting to make a higher number of trips in support of their clubs.

Earlier this month, Manchester United and Chelsea fans were advised by insurance services provider esure that visas and travel insurance were vital considerations ahead of the Champion's League Final in Moscow.